The Firefighters Association of the State of New York are calling on elected officials to take action to increase fire safety and prevent residential fire deaths.

Union officials say New York is leading the nation with 45 residential fire deaths already this year, highlighting a number of deaths that have occurred in various towns around the state.

“The number of home fire deaths in New York this year is startling,” said FASNY President Edward Tase, Jr. “Code enforcement reform, tax-free smoke detectors, and adequately staffed volunteer fire departments are all factors that can contribute to a safer New York for all. We are calling upon the State to take immediate actions to increase fire safety. In the meantime, we encourage all residents to ensure their smoke detectors are working and that there is at least one present on each floor of the home, and outside sleeping areas. The seconds a smoke detector can give residents during an emergency can truly be lifesaving.”

The Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) is a staunch supporter of public safety. In light of this latest tragedy and the increase in fire fatalities this year, FASNY is calling upon the State government to act to stop this trend, improve the safety of residents, and reduce fire deaths.

Whether it be a fire caused by exploding lithium-ion batteries or something as simple as home cooking, ensuring all homes have working smoke detectors will save lives. Nationally, 2/3 of residential fire deaths occur in homes where there are either no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.